PrEP and PEP

The word “prophylaxis” means to control the spread of an infection or disease. PrEP and PEP are both preventive measures against HIV Infection.

Pre-exposure prophylaxis is a way for people who do not have HIV but who are at substantial risk of getting it to prevent HIV infection by taking a pill every day. The pill (brand name Truvada) contains two medicines (tenofovir and emtricitabine) that are used in combination with other medicines to treat HIV. When someone is exposed to HIV through sex or injection drug use, these medicines can work to keep the virus from establishing a permanent infection.

When taken consistently, PrEP has been shown to reduce the risk of HIV infection in people who are at high risk by up To 92%.  PrEP is much less effective if it is not taken consistently.

PrEP is a powerful HIV prevention tool and can be combined with condoms and other prevention methods to provide even greater protection than when used alone. However, people who use PrEP must commit to taking the drug every day and seeing their health care provider every 3 months, for follow up.

Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)

PEP is the use of antiretroviral drugs after a single high-risk event to stop HIV infection. PEP must be started as soon as possible to be effective. It should always be within 72 hours of possible exposure.

PEP is intended for emergency situations. It is not meant for regular use by people that will be exposed to HIV frequently.

Who should consider taking PEP?

If you think you were recently exposed to HIV, contact your health care provider immediately.

You may be prescribed PEP if you are HIV negative or don’t know your HIV status. And in the last 72 hours you:

• Think you may have been exposed to HIV during sex
• Shared needles or drug preparation equipment (works)
• Were sexually assaulted

Your health care provider will help to decide whether PEP is right for you.

Side Effects

The HIV medicines used for PEP may cause side effects in some people. The side effects can be treated and aren’t life-threatening. If you are taking PEP, talk to your health care provider about any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.

PEP medications may also interact with other medicines that a person is taking. It is called drug interaction. Because of potential drug interactions, it’s important to tell your doctor about any other medicines that you take.